FC Dallas to host Generation adidas U-17 Cup Finals

NEW YORK(March 18, 2014) – Major League Soccer and adidas today announced the details for the finals of the 2013-14 Generation adidas U-17 Cup. The games kick off April 14 and feature U-17 teams from 17 MLS Clubs and three international clubs, including Chivas de Guadalajara (Mexico), Flamengo (Brazil) and Stoke City (England). FC Dallas will host the week-long tournament as part of a three-year deal, at the Toyota Soccer Center at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

“During the past seven years, the Generation adidas Cup has provided elite young players in the MLS Academy system the chance to hone their skills in a first-class competition against some of the best players in the U.S. and Canada. This year, we take the next step by providing three international teams to compete against our U-17 teams. We believe this is the next step in evaluating and developing our players to the international standard,” said MLS Director of Player Programs Alfonso Mondelo.

Tournament play began with three regional tournaments (East, Central and West) featuring U-17 teams from all 19 MLS Clubs. Each team competed in two regional events from August 2013 through February 2014. The top three teams in each region advanced to the International Tier of the U-17 Cup finals and have been seeded into three groups:

GROUP A

GROUP B

GROUP C

New York Red Bulls

Real Salt Lake

San Jose Earthquakes

Seattle Sounders FC

Toronto FC

FC Dallas

Colorado Rapids

LA Galaxy

Philadelphia Union

Flamengo (Brazil

Stoke City (England)

Chivas de Guadalajara (Mexico)

The remaining MLS U-17 teams will compete in the national tier of the tournament. Teams include Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, Houston Dynamo, Sporting Kansas City, Montreal Impact and Portland Timbers. New England Revolution and Vancouver Whitecaps FC elected not to participate in the finals.

“As the worldwide leader in soccer, we are proud to partner with Major League Soccer for the Generation adidas Cup. We are both committed to leading a new generation of player development in the U.S. The Generation adidas Cup serves as a platform and destination for the top youth soccer players across the country. These players are the future professionals, soccer ambassadors; and soccer leaders in this country. They are Generation adidas,” said Jason Davis of adidas America, Grassroots and Player Development.

Group games begin on Monday, April 14 and the tournament final is scheduled to be played on Sunday, April 20. Click here for the full schedule of games.